How to make a DJ mix online without DJ software
Plan a set, build transitions on a timeline with volume automation, and export one continuous mix, all in your browser.
Last updated · 8 min read
You don’t need decks, a controller or paid software to make a good DJ mix. Building a mix on a timeline is how many radio mixes and podcasts are made: instead of performing transitions live, you place each track and draw every fade precisely. This guide walks you through planning and building a full mix in MixSongs, a free mixer that runs in your browser.
Live DJing vs timeline mixing
| Live DJ software | Timeline mixing (MixSongs) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transitions | Performed in real time | Drawn and refined at your own pace |
| Undo | No | Unlimited |
| Tempo sync | Automatic time-stretching | Songs keep their original tempo |
| Best for | Performances | Recorded mixes, gifts, workout and event playlists |
MixSongs keeps every song at its original tempo and pitch. That means the best transitions happen between songs with similar tempos, or through sections without drums (intros, outros, breakdowns). That’s how plenty of great radio mixes are built.
Step 1: Plan the set
- Pick 8–15 songs for a 30–60 minute mix.
- Order them by energy. A simple arc works: warm up, build, peak, cool down.
- Group by tempo. Note each song’s BPM (many streaming services and tag editors show it). Keep neighbours within about ±5 BPM where you plan long blends.
- Check keys if you can. Songs in the same or relative key (for example A minor and C major) blend without clashing. If keys clash, use shorter fades.
Step 2: Load the tracks in order
Open app.mixsongs.app and add the first song. Add the rest in sequence: each new song is placed overlapping the end of the previous one with a starting crossfade. For a big set you can drag several files in at once.
Step 3: Build each transition
Work from left to right. For each pair:
- Find the mix-out point of the outgoing song, usually the start of its outro or last chorus.
- Find the mix-in point of the incoming song, usually the end of its intro or its first downbeat.
- Drag the incoming clip so those two moments line up. Switch the grid to bars, type the BPM, and keep snap on to align on bar lines.
- Draw the fade with volume checkpoints. Long, even blends for matching tempos; short, decisive fades for tempo changes. See the crossfade guide for shapes.
- Listen to the transition in a loop. Drag on the ruler around the transition to set a loop region and press L. Adjust until it feels natural.
Step 4: Use stems for pro-style transitions (optional)
Real DJs use EQ to swap basslines so two kick drums don’t fight. You can do something similar with AI stem separation: split a song into vocals, drums, bass and music, then:
- Swap the bass: fade the outgoing song’s bass stem out just before the incoming bass comes in.
- Vocal over beat: keep the outgoing vocal going while the next song’s drums start underneath, then fade the old vocal at the end of its phrase.
Each stem has its own volume line, so these moves are just a few checkpoints. Separation costs one credit per song (15 songs for $2.99). Use it for the transitions that need it.
Step 5: Balance and protect the levels
- Use track faders so no song jumps out louder than its neighbours.
- Keep the master limiter on. It holds peaks under −1 dBFS during overlaps.
- Watch the master meters while the busiest transitions play.
Step 6: Export and share
Click Export. For uploading to mix platforms, MP3 320 kbps or FLAC are common choices; for archiving, WAV 24-bit. Rendering happens in your browser. Before publishing a mix online, check the platform’s licensing rules: many mix-hosting platforms hold licences that cover DJ mixes, but social media uploads generally don’t.
Checklist before you export
- No silent gaps or double-loud overlaps.
- No two lead vocals clashing.
- Levels consistent from track to track.
- Start and end fades are clean.